What is true about driving on wet roads regarding tire effectiveness?

What is true about driving on wet roads regarding tire effectiveness?

• A. Your tires are more effective at high speeds
• B. As you drive faster, your tires become less effective
• C. Wet roads make tires grip better
• D. Only brand new tires are effective on wet roads

Answer: (B)

When driving on wet roads, the effectiveness of your tires decreases as speed increases. This occurs primarily because water creates a film between the tires and the road surface, which can lead to hydroplaning, where the tires lose contact with the road. At higher speeds, it becomes more difficult for tires to channel away the water on the surface, increasing stopping distances and reducing traction. Understanding this principle is crucial for safe driving, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The other options suggest either an unideal scenario or misconceptions about tire performance on wet surfaces. Speeding on wet roads risks losing control, while wet conditions do not enhance tire grip, and the claim regarding only brand-new tires being effective is misleading; well-maintained and properly treaded tires can provide safety on wet surfaces.

When driving on wet roads, the effectiveness of your tires decreases as speed increases. This occurs primarily because water creates a film between the tires and the road surface, which can lead to hydroplaning, where the tires lose contact with the road. At higher speeds, it becomes more difficult for tires to channel away the water on the surface, increasing stopping distances and reducing traction. Understanding this principle is crucial for safe driving, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

The other options suggest either an unideal scenario or misconceptions about tire performance on wet surfaces. Speeding on wet roads risks losing control, while wet conditions do not enhance tire grip, and the claim regarding only brand-new tires being effective is misleading; well-maintained and properly treaded tires can provide safety on wet surfaces.